In 1975, a unique class of nurses graduated from George Brown College's School of Nursing. Not only were they the first graduates of the newly formed GBC nursing program, but they were also the last graduating class from the Toronto General Hospital campus before its official integration into the college.
Onlookers cheered and honked their horns as the graduating class marched up University Avenue, each nurse wearing a traditional nursing cap and carrying a dozen roses in their hands. They also wore their class pins, designed by a fellow graduate Penny (Lidster) Harrington.
Fifty years later, this trailblazing class is preparing for a historic reunion––a celebration of their enduring friendship, and a tribute to the nursing program that helped launch their careers.
From hospital halls to a college of opportunity
Donna Dingman and Polly Gove, two alumni from the nursing program of ‘75, are still dear friends today. The two recall a time when nursing education was entirely different from the programs that currently exist.
In the past, nursing programs had been affiliated with individual hospitals. It wasn't until 1974 that the government directed all the programs to be aligned under one college, and students from the five Toronto hospitals formed the new George Brown College nursing program.
"The positive thing about going to a college was the wider range of courses and the opportunity to learn from a larger group of people,” Donna says. “GBC opened up a world of possibilities within nursing."
This shift towards a college-based program offered greater flexibility and diverse learning opportunities, allowing nurses to pursue specialties or further education.
A shared journey: learning, laughter & lasting friendships
The time they spent at GBC wasn't all textbooks and exams.
"We were all so young, experiencing everything for the first time,” Donna remembers. “We saw the good, the bad, and the ugly, from OB and labour to community nursing."
With Donna and Polly living next door to each other in the residence, along with 350 other students, there were many opportunities to create close bonds and memorable experiences.
"You got to know the gals on your floor really well,” Donna adds, recalling the Friday night parties they used to throw. “We all became very close."
Sharing success and staying connected
Despite the challenges of maintaining connections after graduation, Donna, Polly, and many of their classmates have kept in touch throughout the many years and decades. The friends have a small group of alumni they spend a weekend with each year, and a larger group that meets up every five years.
“Our relationships with each other keep us connected to the past,” Polly says, “and we’ve been able to forge new friendships with the classmates we’ve met again.”
Donna notes that they’ve supported each other through all of life’s milestones.
“Staying connected reinforces that we went through a unique experience together and we’ve developed into unique individuals,” she says. “It’s really nice to have that positive affirmation.”
Celebrating a legacy: 50 years of nursing at George Brown College
As they prepare for their 50th reunion coming up in May 2025, there's a palpable sense of excitement, with alumni who were previously difficult to track down now coming out of the woodwork. Donna and Polly are eager to meet some of GBC’s current nursing students and get a tour of their learning environment.
“We didn’t have simulators and fancy technology in our day,” Donna says. “We had to learn how to give needles by testing on oranges and then on ourselves!”
With their class reunion also coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the GBC nursing program itself, the college is actively involved in the planning process, recognizing the significance of this milestone for both the alumni and the program's history. The longtime friends are looking forward to reminiscing, reconnecting, and hearing about everyone’s incredible journeys at the reunion.
"We've developed into strong, creative, confident individuals,” Donna says proudly. “It's amazing to see who we’ve become."
A call to current and future nurses
For aspiring nurses considering enrolling at George Brown, Donna wants them to know that it’s a challenging but highly rewarding career choice.
“Some days can be very difficult, and you need to be extremely resilient and empathetic," she says, “but I think nursing is one of the greatest professions there is.”
“You get to really make a meaningful difference in people’s lives as a nurse,” Polly adds, “and they impact your life as well. It goes both ways.”
Donna and Polly’s story, along with their graduating class, is a testament to the enduring power of the George Brown nursing program and the lifelong connections that many students have forged since its inception. As they celebrate their golden jubilee, the class of ‘75 inspire generations of future nurses to embrace the adventures and opportunities that await them.
Celebrate healthcare workers and stay connected with GBC
With National Nursing Week 2024 taking place this week, GBC is proud to recognize the incredible contributions of nursing professionals who’ve graduated from George Brown College's Sally Horsfall Eaton School of Nursing, and who’ve helped build its exceptional alumni network.
Stay connected with Alumni Relations for future events, initiatives, and career development opportunities. Update your contact information at our Alumni Relations Profile Centre and follow us on LinkedIn. To find out more, check the Lifelong Learning section on the alumni website and register today for an upcoming session!
